Skipper Hugo Ekitike along with a Triple Gunners Defence – The Fantasy Premier League Squad for the Round

How many Liverpool assets might you squeeze into your lineup for this round?

Jurgen Klopp's side have secured back-to-back wins and boast a sizzling forward in their French frontman going into a fixture with Wolverhampton Wanderers who are tracking for a historically poor top-flight seasons in history.

For managers who kept a portion of your Africa Cup of Nations free transfers and have the funds to upgrade after losing the sidelined Manchester United's playmaker, consequently Liverpool picks should be the primary focus.

The ideal squad is chosen based on current Fantasy Premier League prices to stay under a 100 million pound spending limit, simulating using a one-week wildcard.

What Was the Performance of Last Week's Team?

Skipper Erling Haaland (a massive haul) , alongside the hot pair of Antoine Semenyo (10 points) as well as Hugo Ekitike led the team to a solid 82 points – enhanced by a double-digit contribution from Antonee Robinson as a substitute.

The Fantasy Premier League Selection for the Upcoming Round

Keeper and Defence

David Raya, Arsenal, goalkeeper, £6m – vs Brighton & Hove Albion (H).

The North London side's backline had a brief dip following the absence of Gabriel, however, they've secured two clean sheets recently , boasting 9 so far with less than half the season played.

Mikel Arteta's side have let in goals in only three fixtures at the Emirates this season. Those goals came from Erling Haaland, a long-range effort from Tottenham's forward , plus a surprise goal from Wolves' attacker.

Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) & Piero Hincapie (£5.5m), the Gunners – vs the Seagulls (H).

We're opting for a triple-up on the Gunners' backline.

As well as being the best defence in the game, recording shutouts in more than half of their matches, they take on a Brighton team who have not found the net in their past two outings.

Brighton have only managed 9 goals across eight fixtures away from home.

Timber remains a reliable choice every week and has more offensive potential now he is the full-back role.

Hincapie has collected 'defcon' points in his past four starts, featuring a pair of shutouts.

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool, £5.9m – vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H).

I'd pick six Anfield assets this week if the rules permitted.

Wolves drew another blank once again this season during Saturday's two-nil defeat at Molineux to the Bees.

They have only managed nine strikes in total, with only a couple away from home. That makes this as safe a shutout prospect possible.

Omar Alderete, the Black Cats, £4m – vs Leeds (H).

Regardless of Leeds United's recent offensive form – including the performances of their striker – I'm backing a Stadium of Light shutout on home soil.

It would be a third consecutive , with the Paraguayan defender establishing himself as an outstanding budget defender option. Managers can start him regularly in most games, thanks to his potential for 'defcon' points.

Midfielders

Mason Mount, United, £5.9m – vs Newcastle (H).

Mount will likely assume a significant role at Old Trafford in the next few games, with their Portuguese maestro out injured.

Over the past three games, Erik ten Hag's team registered the highest expected goals (xG) statistically by over three goals – 8.78 versus the next best Leeds' 5.68.

They face a Newcastle United team that has not excelled away from home – with just one win in their last seven.

The former Chelsea man may inherit many of Fernandes' creative responsibilities, especially on set-pieces, and could play in the number 10 role.

Florian Wirtz, the Reds, £8.1m – vs Wolves (H).

The German playmaker is on the verge of a big haul and a fixture at Anfield versus Wolves representing a perfect opportunity for that to happen.

He has posted points in three out of his past four games – a pair of assists plus a defensive contribution display.

Over that time he has created 10 chances, the highest among all his teammates, and his expected goals is 0.88.

Morgan Rogers, Villa, £7.2m – vs the Blues (A).

Boasting 30 points across two gameweeks, Rogers' form is impossible to ignore.

He is Villa's main goal threat, with an ability to producing a goal from minimal room in the box.

A fixture at Chelsea might seem a challenging proposition, the Birmingham club have emerged victorious there in two of recent years.

Forwards

Hugo Ekitike (Captain), Liverpool, £8.9m – vs Wolves (H).

Given facing an abysmal Wolves side, having no competition for a starting spot, coupled with bagged a five-goal haul in three games, Ekitike receives the captain's armband for this round.

Erling Haaland, City, £15.1m – vs Nottingham Forest (A).

There's no benching the Norwegian goal machine, however because he has a tricky fixture on the road this week, the choice is to bet against him with the captain's role.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.6m